Photos by Linny Folau

Over-joyed fans welcomed rugby league players arriving to join Mate Ma’a Tonga team, at Fua’amotu International Airport on October 11, ahead of their 2017 Rugby League World Cup campaign, later this month.

Eight players including Andrew Fifita, David Fusitu’a, Ata Hingano, Sione Katoa, Tuimoala Lolohea, 'Ukuma Ta’ai, Daniel Tupou and Manu Vatuvei arrived. While Konrad Hurrell who was already in Tonga, was on hand to welcome them home.

Manu, one of the most decorated Kiwi players told Matangi Tonga that playing for Tonga is always special. This is the first time, he is playing for the Mate Ma'a Tonga in the Rugby League World Cup.

“I know how much it really means to my parents. I have played for the Kiwis and they were really proud of this. But when I told them that I will be playing for Tonga for the first time, they got really emotional."

He said he is lucky to have everyone come down to support. "I am just really happy to be here and to give back to our country."

New South Wales star Andrew said it was also very emotional for him to walk out at the airport arrival and see his dad sitting there.

“My grandparents are over in ‘’Eua and I can’t wait to play for them.”

Meanwhile, the rest of the team are expected to arrive on October 12 for weekend activities in Tongatapu.

They were welcomed by the Prime Minister Hon ‘Akilisi Pohiva, with ecstatic supporters decked in red floats.

Mate Ma’a Tonga will play Scotland in Cairns on October 29 and Samoa in Hamilton on November 4, before a showdown with New Zealand at Hamilton on November 11.